Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY267843 Unique Reference Number 11 January 2007 Inspection date Suzanne Joyce Stedman Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged 16, 13 and six, in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex. The whole of the childminder’s house excluding the loft rooms and study on the first floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children, two children under five full time and three children over five after school, one of whom is over eight. The family have three cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Suitable hygiene procedures are in place, for example, toys and the home are cleaned regularly, and children wash their hands in the ground floor bathroom before eating, after using the toilet and are encouraged to flush the toilet so all have access to clean facilities. The childminder washes her hands after changing young children. Therefore children are cared for in a hygienic environment and are developing an understanding of good hygiene practices.

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Helping children to be healthy

There is a sick child policy in place and parents are given a copy of this document. The implementation of this policy limits the risk of cross-infection for the children. The childminder does not have an up-to-date first aid certificate. However, she has obtained current information regarding how to deal with minor injuries from her husband who is an appointed first aid person in his work place. Appropriate systems are in place to record accidents so that parents are kept fully informed. Children's well-being is further supported as the childminder is aware of the importance of obtaining prior written parental consent to administer medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are given opportunities for physical play both indoors and outside. They walk to and from pre-school and school. There are opportunities for children to enjoy physical exercise in the home when they dance along with 'sing star' on the television and play interactive television games such as 'washing the windows'. Children also visit the local park to play on the swings, slides and climbing apparatus and the garden is well used in the warmer weather. The childminder promotes physical exercise and the types of activities on offer help children improve their physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with meals and snacks that meet their dietary requirements. Some parents like to provide food for their child and the childminder is flexible about these arrangements. The childminder has an allotment and the children enjoy growing and eating the corn on the cob. Parents are kept informed about what their child has eaten during the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and secure environment. The premises inside and out are regularly risk assessed and the childminder anticipates situations by always checking the play area before the children arrive. The home is organised to create a child-friendly environment so that children can explore safely and move freely from room to room. The children are provided with suitable and safe toys and equipment which are age appropriate. They learn to keep themselves safe and to avoid accidental injury as they are encouraged not to run around in the home and to be careful on outings and in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety is promoted as the childminder talks to the children about road safety and where it is safe to cross the road. The younger children generally sit in the buggy while older children hold onto the buggy and walk on the side furthest from the road. Effective procedures are in place to keep children safe on outings. The childminder speaks to the children about fire

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 safety and the older children are aware of the procedure to follow. Smoke detectors on all three floors are checked regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for by a childminder who is suitably vetted and has completed child protection training, she is aware of her responsibilities regarding children's welfare and has copies of the latest documentation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well settled in the childminder’s care and they have access to age appropriate play materials. The childminder meets children's individual needs well. A variety of methods are used to ensure that children have an appropriate settling in period. Children are given opportunities to interact with the childminder, for example, the children and childminder all sit on the floor playing together and enjoying interacting with farm animals, vehicles and people.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are provided with a good range of purposeful activities which include music and movement, painting, writing, imaginative play and cooking. The communication between the children and childminder, such as discussion about the farm animals, increases their vocabulary. There are daily opportunities for outside play. New activities and play materials are introduced periodically. They enjoy outings to Marsh Farm, Tropical Wings, Maldon promenade and Wyatt Taylor Park. The children also have fun helping on the childminders allotment growing pumpkins and corn on the cob. These experiences enhance children's learning and enjoyment and extend their knowledge and understanding of the world.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are becoming confident to make decisions, explore and investigate and are able to decide what activities they wish to participate in. They relate well to adults and peers and play cooperatively together, this helps their enjoyment and supports achievement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a friendly relationship between the childminder and the children, interesting conversations take place that are meaningful. For example, when the children were making pancakes the childminder explained to them about using all the ingredients in the home to prepare for lent. Children are given lots of praise to build their self-esteem and encouragement and challenge to promote their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s individual needs are met and they are all included in a selection of play activities and experiences. Their dietary needs are taken into account and special diets are catered for if required. Parents’ wishes are fully respected and children benefit from having a childminder who works well with parents with regard to any additional needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond to appropriate expectations for their behaviour. Strategies such as positive reinforcement are mainly used and these are included in the behaviour management document. This is available for parents to have a copy of if they require one. Children are given lots of praise and encouragement throughout the day and this promotes their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children benefit from playing with a range of resources such as dressing up clothes, puzzles and books. This helps them value diversity. They celebrate festivals such as Eid, Chinese New Year, Christmas and Easter. These activities develop children's understanding of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are provided with a copy of all the childminder's polices and procedures and good communication is fostered. One parent has written a very complimentary letter regarding the care her child received.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has completed appropriate training, however, her first aid certificate has expired and this has the potential to compromise children’s welfare. Conditions of registration are complied with and the childminder is committed to continual improvement of her childminding practice by participating in relevant training sessions.

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Organisation

Children are able to use most rooms in the home and this allows them the flexibility to move between the rooms for different activities. They generally use two main play areas and the garden. Space is suitably organised with a rest area on the first floor. Children have a satisfactory selection of activities that appeal to the age range attending and provide them with appropriate learning opportunities.

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Organisation

There are good policies and procedures in place which the childminder puts into practice. They are in written form and shared with parents to ensure the needs of the children in her care are met. Record keeping systems include information relevant to individual children demonstrating to parents that the childminder is able to ensure their safety and well-being. The childminder has most of the required publications to ensure her practice is up-to-date.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. This is now in place, therefore children are now able to receive medical treatment or advice while in the childminders care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children is maintained.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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